Michael Landers, top right, of Cortlandt helps carry the coffin of his brother, George Landers, out of St. Christopher's Church on Saturday in Montrose. / Carucha L. Meuse/The Journal News

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BUCHANAN — Only the priest spoke at the Saturday funeral of George Landers, the Croton-on-Hudson man who died Tuesday of a suspected heroin overdose, but mourners outside St. Christopher’s Church said the 25-year-old made a profound impact on his network of friends in northern Westchester.

“He was just such a good friend, an infectious smile. Every party, he just lit up the room,” said Bria Cianci, 24, of Cortlandt, who had been friends with Landers since middle school. “Last night at the wake, there was a picture from his 13th birthday party, and 90 percent of those people were here today.”

Landers was pronounced dead at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at his 6 Wren Lane home in Croton-on-Hudson after police responded to a 911 call from his father about a reported double overdose. His younger brother, Michael Landers, 23, was alive. He was taken to Phelps Memorial Hospital Center in Sleepy Hollow for treatment and was later released.

Michael Landers was among the approximately 150 mourners who paid tribute to his brother in a short, spartan service. After the funeral, he smoked a cigarette as he was consoled by well-wishers.

The Landers brothers were known to authorities as heroin abusers and have had brushes with the law. In September, state police charged George Landers with possession of a hypodermic instrument, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and criminal possession of a controlled substance, all misdemeanors, on Springvale Road.

Though Matthew Andrews will remember George Landers’ skill at organizing friends for get-togethers and concerts, he said it’s important to view his friend as a cautionary tale.

“Hopefully, it’s an example for others who might go down the wrong path in the future,” said Andrews, 24, of Croton-on-Hudson.

Three friends who met George at SUNY Plattsburgh, all from Westchester, stood outside the church after the funeral. They all said they saw his “downfall” the last few years and tried to help him.

“He was such a kind kid. He had a huge heart and was friendly to everyone he met,” said Ryan McDonald, 24, of Yorktown. “It’s just sad to see him go. It’s just a very sad situation.”